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Firefighters urge Council to place funding measure on ballot; Council signals support
Summary
Firefighters and union representatives urged the City Council to place a funding measure on the ballot to hire firefighters, rebuild stations, and buy equipment (item 36). Councilmembers expressed support; the transcript shows motions and backing but does not record a final tally in the available audio for the vote on the measure.
Multiple firefighters, union representatives and elected officials urged the City Council on June 23 to place a ballot measure before voters that would raise ongoing revenue for the Los Angeles Fire Department to hire personnel, rebuild or build stations, and acquire equipment.
Union representatives said the department is under-resourced compared with historical staffing levels and that response times in parts of the city have worsened. "We need double the firefighters and paramedics and more stations to serve our citizens," said Richard Ramírez, a union vice president, during public comment.
Speakers including Ryan Quickly and other fire‑service leaders described the measure as a life‑safety initiative that would create a dedicated revenue stream subject to independent oversight and annual audits. Several councilmembers expressed support on the floor for putting the question to voters, saying the issue requires voter authorization. The transcript records council discussion and statements of direct support to "put this measure before the people," but the public record in the audio does not include a clear roll‑call tally for that specific ballot placement in the segments provided.
Why it matters: Fire department staffing and response times affect emergency response citywide. Proponents argued the measure would fund additional firefighters and stations and require independent oversight to ensure funds are used for emergency services.
What happens next: The Council discussed and supported moving the proposal toward a ballot measure. The transcript shows motions and floor discussion requesting the measure go before voters; it does not include a clear count of the final vote on that specific action in the provided excerpts.
Key voices: Richard Ramírez and Ryan Quickly (union representatives and firefighters) testified about staffing shortfalls and response-time statistics; councilmembers signaled support for placing the measure on a future ballot.
